Loaded Veggie Burger with Cheese and Avocado

Ingredients

• Black beans (1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed)
• Cooked quinoa (1 cup)
• Red bell pepper (1, diced)
• Onion (1 small, finely chopped)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup)
• Egg (1, beaten)
• Cumin (1 teaspoon)
• Paprika (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
• Cheddar cheese (4 slices)
• Burger buns (4)
• Mayonnaise (4 tablespoons)
• Avocado (1, sliced)
• Lettuce (4 leaves)
• Tomato (1, sliced)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, leaving some chunks for texture.
2. Add the cooked quinoa, diced red bell pepper, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the mashed beans. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined to form a cohesive mixture.
3. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, pressing down slightly to ensure they hold together.
4. Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat and lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
5. Cook the veggie burger patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and heated through.
6. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.
7. While the patties are cooking, toast the burger buns on the grill or in a toaster until golden.
8. Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun.
9. Place a veggie burger patty on top of the mayonnaise.
10. Top each burger with slices of avocado, a leaf of lettuce, and a slice of tomato.
11. Cover with the top half of the bun and serve immediately with your favorite side dish.